Eagle Restaurant's extensive menu a staple in Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE – John Zografos doesn’t hesitate when asked to describe his restaurant.

“It’s casual fast food,” Zografos said.

Zografos owns and operates Eagle Restaurant, the well-known Downers Grove eatery, along with his father, Lee.

Lee opened the restaurant at 406 Maple Ave. in 1981 when he purchased an abandoned gas station at the corner of Maple and Fairview avenues. He started the business with his brother-in-law who retired in 2005, opening the door for John Zografos to join his father.

[Photo provided]

The key to the eatery's long-term success is simple, Zografos said.

"We serve quality food and offer quality service," he said. "I treat every customer like they're coming in for the first time."

But many of the customers who stop in for lunch or dinner are hardly first-timers.

"I have people coming in since we've first opened," Zografos said. "Our regulars are our backbone."

[Photo provided]

"Fast-food restaurant" does not aptly describe the dine-in/carry-out diner, and the vast menu is the reason why.

Staples such as hamburgers, hot dogs and gyros are popular with customers, but there are many other selections from which to choose.

[Photo provided]

In addition to nine burger selections, customers can choose from beef and sausage sandwiches, a variety of salads, sub sandwiches and specialty sandwiches such as the BLT or turkey bacon club. Daily soup selections and chili also are served.

Dinners complete with fries and sides include the jumbo shrimp plate, fillet of cod and the gyros platter. Of course, no visit to Eagle Restaurant is complete without ordering a hand-dipped milkshake, which comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.

A children’s menu features all the typical favorites such as hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken nuggets and cheeseburgers.

[Photo provided]

Eagle also offers a catering menu that features gyros, Italian beer, Italian sausage, chicken kabobs and pasta, along with salads and sides.